Towards Personalized Medicine: Vietnam in the Age of Precision Biology

Businessman La Hai Khanh (second from left), Chairman of the Board of BHK Vietnam International Medical Company – Institute of Immunology, Genetics & Cell Therapy (R), Deputy Minister of Health of Vietnam,  Mr Do Xuan Tuyen (center) and Prof. Dr. Gargiulo Isacco Ciro and his spouse (Italy) at the launch ceremony of the Institute. (Photo: Organizing Committee)

A VISION THAT CANNOT WAIT

"We need to bring advanced medical technologies to Vietnam - now."

WAJ: What motivated you and your team to establish the Institute of Immunology, Genetics & Cell Therapy (R) at this time?
Businessman La Hai Khanh: We recognized the urgent need to bring modern medical advances to Vietnam, particularly in the fields of immunology, cell therapy, and genetic technologies—areas that are revolutionizing global healthcare. The establishment of the Institute at this point is a strategic move, aiming to bring these advanced applications closer to the Vietnamese patient community and to build a research and technology transfer center on par with international standards.

WAJ: What are the scientific and practical orientations of the Institute in the fields of immunology and cell therapy—areas still relatively new in Vietnam?
Businessman La Hai Khanh: Our goal is to develop the Institute into an integrated center—combining both basic research and clinical application—in three key areas: applied immunology, cell therapy (such as NK cells, T-regs, MSCs...), and gene therapy. Our mission is to develop personalized treatment protocols to improve outcomes for complex diseases such as cancer, autoimmune conditions, and neurodegenerative disorders. At the same time, we are committed to adhering to international standards in bioethics and biosafety.

The Executive Board of the Institute of Immunology, Genetics & Cell Therapy (R) (Photo: Organizing Committee)

GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS – EMPOWERING PRECISION MEDICINE

"Aldo Moro University is the bridge connecting us to the world."

WAJ: What advantages does your collaboration with international experts from Aldo Moro University (Italy) bring to the Institute and to Vietnamese medicine in general?Businessman La Hai Khanh: This collaboration allows us direct access to Europe’s advanced research, training, and clinical practice systems. Experts from Aldo Moro University not only transfer technology but also assist in developing quality control protocols, building staff capacity, and connecting us to a global academic–clinical network. This partnership is a vital bridge to help Vietnamese medicine keep pace with trends in personalized treatment and precision healthcare.

WAJ: How do you assess the potential of stem cell and gene therapy technologies in improving public health in Vietnam over the next 5 to 10 years?
Businessman La Hai Khanh: I believe that within the next 5–10 years, stem cell and gene therapies will become indispensable in treating chronic diseases, cancer, and even in aging prevention. With a young population, an expanding healthcare market, and growing support from national policies, Vietnam has significant potential to become a hub for developing advanced biomedical applications in Southeast Asia.

AN OPEN ECOSYSTEM – TRANSFER, TRAINING, AND INSPIRATION

"I hope the Institute becomes a place of inspiration and true value for Vietnamese medicine."

WAJ: Beyond research and treatment, what are the Institute’s plans for training human resources and transferring technology to domestic healthcare facilities?
Businessman La Hai Khanh: Training is one of our three strategic pillars. Each year, the Institute will organize specialized training programs, joint courses with international universities, and on-site clinical practice. We also plan to establish “technical transfer stations” at hospitals and medical centers across the country to safely and effectively expand the application of these technologies.

Businessman La Hai Khanh (fourth from left) with overseas Vietnamese experts and distinguished guests at the launch of the Institute of Immunology, Genetics & Cell Therapy (R), held at Sheraton Hanoi, Vietnam. (Photo: Organizing Committee)

WAJ: The launch ceremony welcomed several international guests. What role does global expert networking play in the Institute’s long-term development strategy?
Businessman La Hai Khanh: International engagement is fundamental to sustainable development. It is not just about learning opportunities—it also enables us to stay updated with the latest breakthroughs, helping us adapt our research directions to real-world clinical needs. The presence of international experts at the inauguration reflects our commitment to openness, transparency, and the creation of a modern, integrated medical ecosystem.

WAJ: Finally, could you share your greatest hope for the Institute of Immunology, Genetics & Cell Therapy (R) in its mission to serve human health and contribute to modern Vietnamese medicine?
Businessman La Hai Khanh: My greatest hope is for the Institute to become a center for medical innovation—where cutting-edge science is transformed into practical solutions for Vietnamese patients. I want the Institute to inspire a new generation of doctors and researchers to think big, master technologies, and bring Vietnamese medicine to the world through meaningful, humane, and sustainable contributions.

WAJ: Thank you very much!